I did use clamps for the timing the cams I used 2 sets of vice grips on each cam to hold it in place and when we rebuilt the engine we measured everything. I followed all the recommendations from a Haynes manual and made all the measurements necessary and everything checked out. The only thing I didn't do was take apart the heads (stupid i know). Keep in mind that this truck had some engine trouble before I even owned it. The previous owner lost a piston and a head but I didn't find that out until after I bought the truck. I asked the ***** if he had any troubles with it and all he would say "well the truck is sold as is and it has a new engine in it" so I thought whatever it ran awesome when I tested it before I bought it so I thought it was a hell of a deal. Now those problems are coming back on me and kicking me in the ***. I am telling you the mechanics that worked on it were more then qualified with years of experience with this stuff its just a problem none of them seen before. I honed the cylinders and they turned out awesome with just the right cross-hatch. I am telling you the problem doesn't exist from the rebuild we did it was Vulcan's ****ty rebuild job (I now see the reason they warranty it only for 40k, cause mine blew up at 52k). I am positive it is the head like a valve or something because that’s the only thing really left to cause such a problem. Keep the comments coming though just try not to get rude or anything ya know. I am trying not to blame Ford for this I love their trucks it’s just that I am very frustrated with this issue. Ha-ha don't worry boys its nothing but Ford for me!!!

 

Yes it does - you missed something, you took it for granted the heads were okay. Yes, the first rebuild may have been crappy, but you didn't rectify everything.

 

What do you mean your trying not to blame Ford, like your doing them a favor or holding back lol. That's a very ignorant and rude statement , let alone childish. Pass the buck on the manufacturer and you'll have learned nothing. There a hell of allot smarter than you or I..

Wise up and listen to what others are trying to tell you - trying to help.

Hell , I have 223,000 on my motor and it's the same as yours . The only difference is that they did it not you.

I wouldn't attempt to rebuild one of these because I know this would happen - theres just to much you have to know.

That's why I suggested what I did when you first posted.

 

Well what I am saying is that yes I did not find the problem and fix it but I sure as hell didn't cause the problem if you know what I mean. There is a defect in some component inside the engine somewhere and its not because of what I did when I rebuilt the engine it existed before I even owned the truck. I had a Ford mechanic look at it yesterday. He says its probably a lifter from cylinder 2 or 3 hes not sure because the sound is resonating from either or. So off comes the valve cover again I guess. Gunna try running it with the cover off to see if all the lifters are working. I think I put my foot in my mouth with what I said and guys I'm sorry for that I love my truck and will own nothing but Ford in the future. All our company trucks are Ford's and let me tell you they are one hell of a tough truck nothing will outlast it in the end. Sure people would disagree and have horror stories to tell but every other manufacturer is the same they all break and they all have vehicles lasting for 500,000+ miles (with Ford being a little better of course ) So that aside, we are getting sidetracked because of my comments lets keep the suggestions comming instead of playing the blame game like I was. Sorry boys I feel bad for being so rude